Christian and Atheist Release Film Giving a Rare Glimpse Into a Very Complicated Friendship

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Christians and atheists couldn’t be further apart when it comes to theological worldviews, which is what makes “My Week in Atheism,” a documentary that captures the unique friendship between a devout Christian and an avid secularist so rare.

The film follows John Christy, a Christian, and David Smalley, an atheist, as they travel to secular conventions and college campuses, do radio interviews and debate one another over the course of one year.

Throughout the process, Christy and Smalley can be seen struggling to keep their friendship afloat while holding on to their deeply-held beliefs.

To say that their conversations involve difficult and contentious subject matter is an understatement. But rather than allowing debate and disagreement to overtake their relationship, the two embark on a journey toward understanding that is captured in “My Week in Atheism.”

Instead of dividing, they attempt to find common ground, while exploring what has led one another to very different ends of the religious spectrum.

Watch the trailer below:

“The way the world is today, people too often view others with different beliefs as their enemies. But David and I have developed a deep friendship — even though we talk, and argue about religious differences all the time,” Christy, the film’s director, said in a statement announcing the film.

He continued, “As I’ve gotten to know David more, I appreciate his challenge to my faith. Rather than digging in my heels to defend myself, I’ve tried to take an honest, intellectual look at what motivates atheism and why I believe what I believe.”

Smalley, too, had nothing but praise for his friend.

“John is an amazing guy. He’s a great friend, and he’s a critical thinker,” he said, noting that Christy challenges him to examine his atheistic position. “I look at him in awe, because he asks the same questions I did, and sees many of the same problems I found, yet he still believes.”

Image source: Amanola.com

Christy and Smalley premiered the film over the weekend at Crest Theater in Sacramento, Calif., according to the Christian Post. Both men hope that the film will help people examine their theological beliefs regardless of where they stand.

They met after Christy began listening to Smalley’s atheist radio show a few years ago. Soon after, they started emailing and speaking about their theological differences, as Christy was looking to better understand the atheist perspective.

What developed was a friendship that shined despite vast ideological differences — one that viewers will have a chance to see first hand through “My Week in Atheism.”